Practical Weed Science for the Field Scout: Corn and Soybean

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Summer annual broadleaf

An erect summer annual with leaves and stems that are covered with short, soft hairs. Seedlings have one round and one heart-shaped cotyledon, similar to spurred anoda. The first true leaves and subsequent leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, and covered with hairs on both surfaces. Mature leaves are approximately 2 to 6 inches long and wide and have slightly toothed margins. Small (1/2 to 1 inch) orange to yellow flowers with five petals are produced on flower stalks that arise from the leaf axils. Velvetleaf may reach as much as 7 feet in height and is a common weed of agricultural production systems.